Ward 15 addiction service celebrates 50-year support

Ward 15 addiction service celebrates 50-year support

31 January 2024

AN award-winning addictions service at the heart of local health service provision is celebrating an incredible 50 years of service.

Ward 15 based at the Downshire Hospital in Downpatrick — which is a regional facility — has helped thousands of people.

The widely acclaimed service was established by ex-patients in 1974, with the Friends of Ward 15 as committed to helping others today as it was five decades ago.

The group provides essential support and comfort to anyone experiencing addiction rehabilitation and provides a vitally important role.

Over the decades, the Friends have fundraised more than £350,000 for patient comforts within the ward and provided washing machines and tumble dryers, replacement televisions and audio/visual equipment. 

A range of literature has also been provided for patients published by Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous in tandem with a wide variety of training equipment for staff. 

A comprehensive library which deals with the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction has also been provided by the Friends of Ward 15.

A dedicated ‘family room’ in Ward 15 has been furnished by the Friends where children of patients can play, read or watch DVDs, as well as spending quality time with their parents. 

The room is described as a place of solace, away from any distractions and is a safe environment for the children.  

A putting green and a tennis court have also been landscaped at the ward, which helps patients relax after intensive therapy. Both facilities are also used by patients’ families, which is a major step in helping the entire family to recover from the user’s addiction.

Friends of Ward 15 chairman, Colum Polly, has this week highlighted the “fantastic work” members of the group undertake.

“The dedicated group of ex-patients work tirelessly and selflessly in the background to help provide support to patients still undergoing treatment,” he explained.

“When asked why they do it, their response is always ‘out of gratitude’ for what they received while going through treatment at the ward.”

Mr Polly said up to 60 people attend a recovery meeting on Sunday mornings with a pool of  

Voluntary drivers bringing them to nightly meetings and offering support.  

“What the Friends of Ward 15 have done for me has been tremendous and I am very grateful,” he said.

Group treasurer and former patient, Dan McCartan, has also been reflecting on his rehabilitation journey.

“I am a recovering alcoholic and came to Ward 15 in 2012 after many years of alcoholic drinking,” he explained.

“In 2014, I was asked by Jim Mageean to join the Friends of Ward 15 and I thought what can I do for them? I joined the group and it was a lifeline.”

Mr McCartan said people ask him about the work of Ward 15 and what he has done to help.

“All I am doing is what somebody did for me when I was a patient, nothing else,” he continued.

“It is great to have that little bit of input and to help those in the ward get to the stage that I am now at. It is not impossible. When I look back now, I wonder how I ever got sober. 

“It has worked, through commitment and as time goes on it, gets a little easier. It’s not easy by any means and I have great gratitude for Ward 15.”

Mr McCartan said when patients are admitted to the ward, they are normally at their lowest and those who have families may have a strained relationship. 

“With the help of the services provided by both the ward and the “Friends” there is a very good chance that patients can get better, stay better and develop a more meaningful relationship with their partners and children so that the family can recover together,” he added.